informVerb1. impart knowledge of some fact, state or affairs, or event to; "I informed him of his rights" (hypernym) communicate, intercommunicate (hyponym) wise up (derivation) data, information2. give character or essence to; "The principles that inform modern teaching" (hypernym) change, alter, modify3. act as an informer; "She had informed on her own parents for years" (hyponym) tell, evidence (derivation) informer, betrayer, rat, squealer, blabber